Janitor changed the lives of those around him

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Anyone who says a janitor cannot affect the lives of those around them need not look any farther than the late custodian at Centennial High School, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Chuck "Mr. Chuck" Sands, who died recently and unexpectedly after more than 30 years of service to the Howard County Public School System, was more than just the head janitor, he was the heart and soul of the school, the story stated.

Since his untimely death from complications with acute pneumonia, several Facebook groups have been established to pay homage to the father figure, mentor and general life encourager to hundreds of students at Centennial High School, the story noted.

A post on one of the Facebook pages dedicated to Mr. Chuck said: "You''re the only person I know who didn''t seem to know what a bad day was. You taught us selflessness and dedication. Of all the things I learned at Centennial, the most important lessons came from outside the classroom. Thanks for teaching all of us the power and importance of unconditional kindness."

Sands was revered by the students he cared for so much that he was asked to speak at the Class of 2009''s commencement, something he called "without a doubt one of the highest honors anyone could receive," the story added.